[Equestrian related injuries and pathologies].
Abstract: Equestrian sports are widely practiced in Switzerland as hobbies. Horses are imposing and unpredictable. As a result, traumatisms associated with horseback riding are common and cause serious injuries. Cranial traumatisms are among the most frequently encountered injuries and are associated with high rates of hospitalization and mortality. Helmet use decreases the severity of intracranial lesions. Close contact with horses can lead to the development of infectious diseases and respiratory allergies. Although infrequent in Europe, these infections occur sporadically and should be known by general practitioners. Finally, horse's allergens sensitization is frequent in allergic patients with or without direct contact with horses. Les sports équestres sont largement pratiqués en Suisse comme loisirs. Le cheval est un animal imposant et imprédictible. De ce fait, les traumatismes liés à la pratique de l’équitation ne sont pas rares et causent de graves lésions. Les traumatismes crâniens sont parmi les lésions les plus fréquentes et sont associés à des taux d’hospitalisation et de mortalité élevés. Le port d’une bombe diminue la sévérité des lésions intracrâniennes. Le contact rapproché avec les chevaux peut mener au développement de certaines maladies infectieuses et d’allergies respiratoires. Bien que rares dans nos contrées, ces infections existent sporadiquement et devraient être connues des praticiens. Enfin, la sensibilisation aux allergènes du cheval est fréquente chez les patients allergiques, qu’ils soient en contact ou non avec ces animaux.
Publication Date: 2019-08-15 PubMed ID: 31411826
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The article explores the common injuries and diseases associated with equestrian sports. It highlights the risks involved, including cranial traumas, the potential for infectious diseases and allergies, stressing the importance of preventive measures like wearing helmets.
Understanding the Risks with Equestrian Sports
- The paper commences by emphasizing that equestrian sports are popular hobbies in Switzerland, but they carry inherent risks due to the unpredictable nature of horses. This implies that practicing these sports can often lead to accidents, some of which can be serious.
- The research draws particular attention to cranial traumas, which are among the most common injuries experienced by equestrians. These injuries can be severe, often resulting in hospitalization and even mortality in some cases.
Role of Helmets in Lessening Injury Severity
- The researchers emphasise the beneficial role of helmets in reducing the severity of intracranial lesions. By protecting vital areas of the head, helmets can significantly diminish the extent of cranial injuries, demonstrating why riders should always wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in equestrian sports.
Infectious Diseases and Allergies Associated with Horses
- Another critical risk highlighted in the study pertains to the potential for exposure to infectious diseases and respiratory allergies due to close contact with horses. These can occur sporadically but they are still important to consider due to the human health implications.
- The study suggests that general practitioners should be aware of these occasional but possible diseases so that they can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for people interacting with horses regularly.
- Further, it is underscored that allergen sensitization (an allergic response to horse allergens) is common among patients who exhibit allergic reactions in general. Importantly, this could occur whether or not they are in direct contact with horses, demonstrating the wider implications of allergen transmission.
Cite This Article
APA
Hochart É, Fournier Y.
(2019).
[Equestrian related injuries and pathologies].
Rev Med Suisse, 15(658), 1383-1386.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Service de médecine interne, Hôpital intercantonal de la Broye, 1530 Payerne.
- Service des urgences, Hôpital intercantonal de la Broye, 1530 Payerne.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / etiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Europe
- Head Protective Devices
- Horses
- Humans
- Sports
- Switzerland
Conflict of Interest Statement
Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.
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